Zelig and Ahava Spillman
The Heart Hunters
In 1992, after many years of marriage, Zelig Spillman was single again. As a middle-aged Orthodox man, he soon discovered the difficulty of meeting a suitable marriage partner. Who could help him find his bashert? Rabbis offered suggestions but were too loaded down with other matters to donate their time. Friends who had the time, constantly chanted, "Have I got the girl for you!" but Zelig realized that well-meaning acquaintances couldn't connect him with his soul-mate. His personal search ended when he followed an unlikely lead and met Ahava Newman. The two were married a few weeks later but they never forgot the frustration of being single. Consequently, they formed the Orthodox Connection to help others facing the same dilemma.
Ahava voices the despair of single, frum females. "We're a new breed, a walking paradox that needs to be recognized. We're modest, but also bright, independent and educated, assertive and Orthodox." Ahava teaches English and Communications at a Community College, and spices her lectures with Baal Shem Tov stories. The step from instructing interpersonal skills to introducing compatible personalities was a short one.
Zelig arrived from South Africa, a Chartered Accountant, but left his profession to pursue a more people-oriented career. He began an organization that helped people find jobs. "I'm a head-hunter turned heart-hunter," states Zelig. "The process is very similar - an applicant must research his prospective job, understand his responsibilities, and review his expectations. Being painstakingly thorough is how I ensured my introductions were successful. Now using the same methodology for marriage match-making, I want to ensure my clients' happiness for a lifetime."
The fervour with which the Spillmans have embraced this endeavour is contagious. Zelig is convinced that not only does each and every person deserve a lifelong partner, he believes "OC" can successfully conduct the search. "With G-d's help," he proclaims, "I'll find your perfect match." Their contacts are impressive. The Orthodox Connection extends from Toronto to many major centers in Canada, the U.S., South Africa, Israel and Europe. Even more important is their list of successes. The last ten involved singles from New York, Montreal, Lakewood, Gateshead, Denver, Cleveland, Detroit and Toronto.
"You cannot imagine the joy we receive when we've helped in arranging a successful shidduch," exclaims Ahava.
"This is not a dating service," explains Zelig. "All of our clients come to us for one thing - they want to get married. We will, b'ezrat Hashem, find someone for everyone to grow old with." With a twinkle in his eye, he smiles at Ahava and says, "It makes the prospect of aging wonderful!"
Not all their time is spent interviewing or registering clients and making Shidduchim. Both Zelig and Ahava lead workshops and give talks to singles. They have lectured on topics which include "Finding your Soul-mate", "Getting ready for the Plunge", "The Commandments of Effective Communication", "Understanding Body Language" and "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus."
If you wish us to help you to find your soul-mate, your next step is to register with Orthodox Connection.